SlayingDragons

This past week I've been reflecting on PROGRESS.  

Many times it seems the only way to gauge our PROGRESS is to have something concrete and measurable to compare the "now" versus the "then."  Technically, this may be the only true way to measure progress and success if you are being pragmatic.  

Wouldn't you know, in many ways I'm probably the opposite of pragmatic?  :)  

I've never considered myself a numbers person.  Tracking data, details, and specifics can be overwhelming and cause a stir of anxiety.  However, ask me how I  feel or what I think and I'm more eager to respond without too much hesitation.  

This past week was our 3 month Healthy U evaluations.  All I can say is I'm SO thankful for the time spent organizing, gathering, recording, comparing, and measuring of MY NUMBERS.  It was so rewarding to be able to have something concrete to compare and measure.  I know in the past I wouldn't have taken the time to organize, gather, record, compare, and measure my progress.  

I think sometimes it is too easy to forget where we started.  

Many times we begin to transform and it happens faster than we realize or take time to notice.  

I shared this quote on my Facebook this past week and this bit of my heart.....

I've meant to take the time to sit at my desk and write for a week.  Ok, two.

It isn't that I have been uninspired or that I've lacked for words.

Rather, I haven't been sure how I wanted to put to words my latest victory.

Sure, if you follow me on social media you already know about the weight loss.

This has been in part, a piece of my latest victory.

I don't always talk about the work I've been doing over the past 3 months.

I have a hard time both accepting compliments and talking about myself.

I've never felt comfortable with either.

However, I know that most people don't perceive it as bragging, I just never want to be misunderstood as seeming to have "all the answers."

I certainly do not.

I am learning everyday.

Annnd, we are all going to experience the SAME thing in a different way.

So here is my regime that has help me shed those 50lbs!.

I've really made it a habit to visit the gym at least 4-5 days per week.

I like to do the group classes.  I am quiet. And not the most outgoing.

However, I love the energy that is generated in a group class.

So, I just follow the group fitness schedule offered at my gym, Total Fitness.

It works for me to go in the morning after I drop my two oldest girls at school.

The little one has learned to love the social hour (most days) that she gets while mommy moves.

Monday -Pump

Tuesday- Piyo

Wed- Yoga

Thurs- Piyo

Friday- Pump

I also include at least 3 days of 20-30 minute run time before or after a class.

I like the routine I have established for now.  I'm getting two days of weight training.  A day of great restoration in yoga. And two days of Piyo which offers a low-impact cardio burn with stretching and flexibility.  So far my body is responding wonderfully to this series of workouts.

Occasionally (who am I kidding) my schedule changes due to activities or events with the kids.

Most of the time I just make up for it on a Saturday morning or I have on occasion went in to the gym and joined in on an evening group class.

I'm striving for consistency but I have really allowed myself the mental flexibility that is necessary when you're trying to manage fitness and family :)

I also continue to eat as clean as possible.  Again. My ultimate goal is NOT to eat the same 5 foods for an entire year.  That is just me.  Instead, I eat a variety of real, whole foods.  I occasionally "splurge" and add in something that doesn't follow my whole eating plan on the weekends and I enjoy a meal or treat.

That is realistic.  That works for me.

I want to say that I understand that creating a healthy lifestyle is a process.  I don't have it all figured out.  There are some days that aren't as easy as others.  

However, I see something different in myself this time.  

Yes, I said "this time" because it isn't the first or only time in my life that I have made a healthy change.  There is, or can be a perception of bondage that is created in ones life when tying to eat healthy and exercise.  I know, because I have lived it.  In the past I failed because I was too hard on myself, I didn't practice grace.  Instead I was often rigid, set impractical expectations, and would strive for perfection.  I would end up defeated, believing I was a failure.

......My life today.....

I have so much to be grateful for. Remember, my journey is holistic; mind, body, and spirit. I have the opportunity to be free from the bondage of failure I created based on lies.  This time I have the support of 11 other adults who have declared their health to be number one priority in their life.  I have the support of my family and church.  Most importantly, I have witnessed the power of Truth.  Truth has the power to overcome every lie.  

God's love is unconditional.

#itsoktolivelikeyou'vebeensetfree

"His love has made you more than enough

so go ahead and be who he made you to be

and live like you're loved"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_r47Xhkf20

The last couple weeks have been so

.FULL.

KIDS. ANNIVERSARY. REVIVAL. GYM.

LIFE

My husband and I celebrated 11 years of marriage on the 18th.

We enjoyed a quiet dinner just the two of us as well as a fun afternoon

 spent with the girls and our family.

I couldn't help but reflect on my food choices at the restaurant.

In years past, I would have been distracted from the lovely meal because I would have been focused on all the mistakes I was making.

My personal dialogue would have sounded something like this...

{"don't eat the bread."  "absolutely NO dessert."  "why is HE eating that in front of ME."}

However, this time as I skimmed the menu and anticipated the meal 

I didn't hear that old dialogue playing in me head.

(or if I did I wasn't listening)

Instead I ordered what sounded appealing.

When my food arrived I ate until I started to feel FULL.

I DID order a dessert.  It WAS amazing.

I didn't feel guilty.  I didn't feel like a failure.

I savored EVERY bite and it was DELICIOUS.

So what was different?

Before my anniversary day I had a conversation with myself

(yes, I do that.  It is a THING, for me)

I knew I wasn't going to deprive myself.  I knew that it was a special occasion.

I checked out the menu before I went so I had an idea of what was offered.

I wasn't concentrating on calories, or carbs, or macros.

I was going to eat until I was FULL.

Not combustion FULL.  But rather my new FULL.

It was one meal.  One day. 

I survived!

As I've shared before, and some of you already know, this isn't the first time I've tried to win the battle against obesity.  However, I feel like this time is different on SO many levels.

I am really trying to rewire the way I think about food, feel about myself, and treat my body.

I'm able to apply what I'm learning this year through the Healthy U resources as well as build upon knowledge and lessons learned from the past.

It isn't always easy.  It is never pretty.  Some days are hard.  Most days are different.

However, I'm learning what it means to be FULfilled.

I'm learning how to have a fulfilling relationship with God and in doing so...

 give up depending solely on myself to conquer and slay these dragons.,,GIANTS

These are some lyrics to a song I've been jamming to this past week...

Francesca Battistelli - Giants Fall

Don't you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything's possible
So step into the fight
He's right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be small
But watch the giants fall
Watch the giants fall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqjdkvuFT30

Every time I sit down to blog my mind wants to go a million different directions.

There is just so much exciting, revealing, and riveting changes going on that I want to tell you all every. single. detail.

For those of you who know me well, you know I like to talk.  

Every. single. detail. would be an understatement...

For those of you who do not know me very well, you might be surprised to know that I do in fact talk as opposed to the silent, awkward smiles you generally see me communicate in.

:)

So, I wanted to blog about success.

I did.

However, I didn't publish it.

I tend to be too honest when I blog.

I'm also a "play it safe" kinda gal, and there is a strange fear in being that vulnerable and open that keeps me from blogging more.

I will work on that.

.....So....

lets talk about 

CROW POSE.

For those of you who have already been changed by the art of yoga...

you know what I'm talking about.

For those of you who think of pretzels and yoga pants when you hear mention the word yoga...

..stay with me..

I tried yoga a few years ago and hated every second of it.

The breathing, the stretching, the tightness is my muscles...

I quickly decided after that one class it wasn't for me and I didn't fit the mold.

Fast forward 100 pounds (give or take a few), 3 years, and an opportunity to change my life...

I decided to try it again.

I still didn't love it, at first.  

However, I knew with my weight gain and past injuries from aggressive workouts

 -it could be wonderful for my body.

So far I've been going every Wednesday morning since mid-January.

Not all that long, in the scheme of time.

I wouldn't even call myself a novice, I'm that green.

However, I learn something new each session.

Which is probably why I love it.

I've always enjoyed learning something new, especially the challenge of it.

So, in yoga there are many poses that we move through.

Our instructor introduced us to the Crow Pose.

www.yogajournal.com

.this is crow pose.

I'm blogging about crow pose not because I can do it, at least not perfectly yet.

I'm blogging about crow pose because it is a representation of allowing myself to break through my personal insecurities and in the process I have gained so much confidence.

Every Wednesday, we spend just a few minutes of our time practicing this pose.  Most of the other women in the class can hold the pose by now.  I celebrate this accomplishment with each of them!

It takes balance, strength and intention and FOCUS.

Every Wednesday morning at yoga I am reminded to set my intention for class:

.I AM ENOUGH.

This has been my motto since the beginning of January.

....I am slaying old habits...

I am reminding myself each day that I am worthy of practicing better health.

I am worthy of time spent being physically active.

I am still equally as good of a mom and wife now that I am taking time for myself.

.I AM ENOUGH.

So, although I am not able to hold crow pose in full position YET, I continue to show up every Wednesday and it is AMAZING how far I've come in just over a month.

I encourage you to take some time to set your intentions..

for you, your family, your health,  in your relationship with God...

Remind yourself of your intentions and take time to reflect as you go.

I'm slaying old habits one by one...

#Heismyshield #Heismystronghold

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. -Psalm 18:2

It has been a busy, busy past two weeks for my family and myself!

  We MOVED.  

There is still much work to be done, however for now we have most things in order and we are excitedly and gratefully getting settled into our new home.

Here are my precious girls, happy as can be!

So, most of us have moved (or helped someone else) in our lifetime.  There is of course the expected work load such as packing, cleaning, and then unpacking and more cleaning and the putting away!  As glorious as the new home is, the reality is it is HARD work moving.

We are so thankful for ALL the help we've had along the way from family and friends.

THANK YOU!

I knew is the midst of the chaos I would need to stick to my eating plan.  

I would WANT to stick to my exercise plan. 

We were busy.  

I would need to be flexible with my time.

I'm proud to report, I DID stick to my eating and exercise plan!

Prepping my meals ahead made all the difference.  Knowing I would be extra busy I prepared more meals than normal and made sure to have extras.

I even made it to the gym.

I did have to be flexible with my gym time, but I know I made up for movement going up and down the stairs and getting up and down as I cleaned and packed.

I did feed my wonderful help PIZZA.  I think they were pleased, kids and adults both!

Thankfully, I have never liked pizza enough for it to ruin my flow!

I am so happy that I was able to maintain a sense of balance over the last 2 weeks!

That is my victory.

#slayingdragons

________________________________________________________

Last Thursday at our Healthy U meeting, we talked briefly about balance.

BALANCE.

I have been chasing this concept my entire adult life.

Finding a feeling of harmony that includes my spiritual, family, financial, intellectual, personal growth, and health has always been a challenge for me.

I have often seen the balance scales used to illustrate the see-saw effect.

That is MY life.

Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of letting something important slip while focusing and developing something else that SEEMS more important at the time.

Therefore, I often feel like I'm starting over.

I shared with my group this year long journey (for me) isn't just about my weight.

I want to work on my WHOLE self.  That takes more effort than any diet, or workout.

One day at a time.

One prayer at a time.

One bite at a time.

One step at a time

.....it ALL adds up.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

Last week I posted a little bit about how I've started to food prep and really spend time planning and getting ready for the week.

This is something NEW for me.  I'm in general NOT a planner.  I tend to be the one who makes a grocery list, leaves it at home, and casually wings it as I sashay down EVERY isle filling my cart UPPP.

Well, I've been working on that.  I must say, this has been a game changer for me!

So, before 2017 rolled in I had spent some time really thinking about changing up our eating habits.  I knew as a family, we needed an OVERHAUL.  

A couple of us suffer from some food sensitivities and I knew I needed to keep that in mind as well.  So, what is the easiest way to avoid specific ingredients or food allergens?

Purchasing and preparing as many meals from as many WHOLE foods as possible.

Less processed = less ingredients to worry about!

Fresh veggies and fruits are GOD's gift, right there.

But wait, I'm NO gormet Chef.  I generally always have something smoking when I cook.

Sooo how could I possible prepare REAL food that tastes good?

Hello, Pinterest!

(laughing out loud, literally).

So, get to the good stuff already!!

Here is a play by play of how I

 (the unorganized, open the door the smoke is thick....)

prepare and eat for the week.

First, I begin by browsing some of my saved recipes.  At this point there are several that have become favorites.  I've found its easy for me to rotate those each week and then choose a night to add something different to try out.

I created this meal generator and slip it inside a of a binder pouch so 

I can write on it with a dry erase marker.

I like to prep my chicken with the ELOO, salt and pepper, fresh garlic, and fresh parsley.

Fresh herbs and simple spices really bring out the flavors.

I wrap the seasoned chicken in parchment paper and create a bag of sorts to lock in the juices and keep it moist.

I had that "one-pan" meal loaded!!!

Pop it all into the oven about 25-30 minutes...

Its wonderful.  In a short time you have a VARIETY of veggies and your yummy protein for SIMPLE meals throughout the week.

Like I said, I generally eat mine for lunch every day as soon as I get home from the gym.  It is a great warm meal that is balanced with good carbs, lean protein, and VEGGIES.

If we have a busy night I will also eat one on occasion.

I love the portioned container.  I use the largest side for my greens.

The protein and carbs go in the other two spots, and I'm set!

Pop, those bad boys in the fridge and I don't have to worry about scrambling and searching for meals when I come home famished from the gym!

I'm sure you are curious as to what I eat the rest of the week, but I will save that for another day!

I will share my Pinterest board that has some meals saved for inspiration that I've tweaked and used as well as recipes we have tried and love.

https://www.pinterest.com/trsparks1/healthy-meal-inspiration-and-recipes/

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has been an encouragement and support along the way.  I am in NO way an expert.  My journey has JUST begun.  

I'm learning each day how to make better choices.  

I am human.  

I have failed in the past.  

I plan on SLAYING my fears of failure.  

I will NOT let them (fears/failures) control me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. -Proverbs 3:5-6